how histories should be told

By Rishan, Media Ambassador

Black History Month (October) is a time to reflect on the powerful stories of black individuals and communities who have fought against oppression and made significant contributions to society. It is also a time to recognise how these stories of resilience, determination and courage mirror the experiences of the young refugees we support. 

This year's theme is Reclaiming Narratives, which deeply resonates with our work and our young people, many of whom come from black and African communities (including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Niger, Sierra Leone, Sudan and South Sudan). 

Just as black history has often been misrepresented, the stories of refugees are frequently distorted in public discourse. As we see too often, refugee stories are negatively presented in the media, depicted as threats or burdens rather than as individuals with their own rich, complex histories and potential that can contribute to the society they live in. This framing mirrors the historic misrepresentation of black communities, whose contributions and struggles were similarly downplayed or ignored.

At KRAN, we are committed to reclaiming these refugee narratives. We work to ensure that the stories of our young refugees are told accurately and compassionately, focusing on their resilience, strength and the contributions they bring to the UK. 

The theme of Reclaiming Narratives encourages us to think about how histories - both black history and the stories of young refugees - are told and whose voices are given space. Black History Month teaches us to challenge harmful, distorted narratives and to actively celebrate the achievements and heritage of those whose stories have been overlooked.

As we reflect on Black History Month, we are reminded of the importance of recognising the full humanity of those who have been marginalised. Both black communities and young refugees deserve to have their true stories told - stories that are rich in culture, resilience and hope for the future. By honouring these narratives, we can build a more inclusive and just society where all voices are valued.